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ROYAL Mail postal workers have announced strike action over four days, which will impact Southampton.
Around 115,000 postal workers across the country and the city will stand in picket lines calling for better pay in the biggest strike of the summer so far.
Residents will see disruption to postal services on Friday August 26, Wednesday August 31, Thursday September 8, and Friday September 9.
The company says letters will not be delivered on strike days but the delivery of Covid tests, medical prescriptions, special delivery, and tracked 24 parcels will be prioritised.
Picket lines will appear across the county including Shirley, Bitterne and Winchester.
Stewart Hardie, who has worked for Royal Mail for over 32 years, says support for strike action is “strong” among workers.
Strike action will begin on Friday
The 58-year-old deputy area delivery representative said: “It’s been quite emotional for a lot of the guys striking.
“It’s difficult for them since they’re young guys who have never taken part in industrial disruption before.
“Everyone is feeling the pinch and what we want is better pay because the 2 per cent increase is not enough with the cost of living.
“Seeing the inequality between the people on the top and the people who make their money for them is baffling.
“We don’t want to create disruption, that’s not the point of the picketing. People are doing it for their families so they can live and we stand together against unfair pay.”
Stewart said strike action could extend to further branches including Southampton’s Mail Centre near Southampton Airport.
Royal Mail said members of The Communication Workers Union (CWU) had rejected a pay rise offer “worth up to 5.5 per cent” after three months of talks.
A spokesperson said: “Royal Mail has well-developed contingency plans, but they cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce.
“We will be doing what we can to keep services running, but customers should expect significant disruption.”
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